Why Caliber Matters When Choosing a Suppressor Suppressors have never been more popular with American shooters. They reduce the report of a firearm, cut down on muzzle blast, and make range days and hunting trips easier on the ears. But not every cartridge pairs equally well with a suppressor. Case capacity, bullet weight, velocity, and gas volume all affect how a suppressed firearm sounds and feels. If you are shopping for a suppressor, the cartridge you choose will shape your experience as m …